There are so many events going on in Reading for the whole family this month it’s like having an extra present every day!

It’s all set to be a magical Christmas in Reading – the lights have already been switched on, the big blue whale has paraded down Broad Street and ArtLine Street Market has showcased the town’s local artists.

December begins with Reading’s Living Advent Calendar until 24th when a host of magical events will take place every day ranging from sing-alongs to craft workshops, as well as a wide variety of shows to suit all ages – there’s so much to do some days have more than one ‘window’ to open! Full details at http://www.magicalreading.co.uk/project/readings-living-advent-calendar/ and funds raised will help local charities Homestart, Readifood and Reading Samaritans.

A show with a difference can be enjoyed at Yates in Harris Shopping Arcade on 16^th December when Cinderella: A Wicked Mother of a Show takes over, described as “an outrageous site-specific show inspired by panto” you are encouraged to think “Tarantino meets Shameless, meets ELF” and all in a pub, sounds intriguing…

The Pentahotel in Oxford Road is holding a show to entertain the kids on 22^nd with My Shadow and Me before it looks at Cinema in Silhouette where stand-up comedy meets shadow puppetry. And after you’ve enjoyed all that there’s more to see in The Snow Show with a variety of fun family performances in Broad Street from 4.30pm.

Children’s favourite Mr Tumble stars in Cinderella at The Hexagon (more in our panto feature) and A Christmas Carol with a twist is at South Street Arts Centre from 10th to 30th December.

All that and The Oracle will be transformed into a magical frozen wonderland where you can watch a series of wintry ice-capades on the rink on Saturdays at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Make sure you leave some time too to take a break from all the fun and shopping for a festive feet up at the many restaurants and bars in Reading.